Hello S,

Thank you for submitting your question to Cancer and Careers! I suppose my first question to you is, why would you need to tell them about your medication? If you are currently not experiencing any major life limitations that would impact your ability to do the job, there really isn't a need to disclose your cancer to an employer. If you are concerned about your company finding out about your medication through your insurance company, that too would not be shared with your employer. 

In terms of answering the disability question, typically these are optional questions. I would recommend you take a look at our article on Managing Disclosure When Looking for Work, where you can read about what's expected from those disability questions, along with some helpful information to keep in mind when getting a new job and managing a diagnosis. I'd also suggest familiarizing yourself with some of the laws and legal protections that are available to you as a person with a cancer diagnosis. In the Legal & Financial section of our website, you can learn some of the foundational information about the ADA and FMLA, along with some guidance on disclosure. 

If you are still concerned about further legal implications, please feel free to check out Triage Cancer's website, which provides a bit more in-depth information regarding the legal intersectins of work and cancer. 

If you have any other questions or would like to have a further conversation, feel free to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org to schedule a time to speak.

Warm regards,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers

It is important to me that you understand how much your words of support and encouragement mean to me. They have helped me to keep a positive outlook and have contributed to the progress of my career. I would like you to know how much I appreciate your remarks. 

Ultimately, your comfort level and the specific job context will guide your decision. Prioritize your health and well-being, and be strategic about when and how you disclose your medication needs. If you're uncertain, consulting with a career counselor or legal advisor can provide personalized guidance tailored to your situation.